Joining the Network

Formal membership is NOT required for you to start joining in on the working groups, convenings, or other community building events.

 The Oregon Community Food Systems Network is always open to new members! See below for how to join.

  • Public Interest Organization

    Public Interest Organization Members are voting members as described in the OCFSN bylaws and are expected to participate in network working groups and events. Membership is open to non-profit organizations, agencies, and institutions committed to the OCFSN vision.

    May include the following:

    • Community-based or grassroots non-profit organizations with farm/food focused projects/programs.

    • Statewide or regional organizations with local farm/food focused service programs.

    • Statewide or regional organizations working to address farm/food system issues at a systems level.

    • Local and state governmental organizations involved in food system planning and development efforts.

    Apply here
  • Coastal forest with bare trees

    Business Affiliates

    Business Affiliates are non-voting members and pay annual dues.

    For-profit enterprises support the food system, from the farm through all links in the value chain to the consumer.

    Many for-profit enterprises share values with OCFSN members. Accordingly, OCFSN has an interest in engaging the business community to understand business priorities and challenges, identify shared interests, encourage steps that advance those interests, and recognize businesses that make a positive contribution to local and regional food systems development efforts.

    OCFSN is not currently accepting business affiliate members

  • You align with OCFSN’s vision, mission, and values and recognize the power of collectively organizing as a network.

  • To join OCFSN, your organization filled out an application documenting the organization's commitment to the OCFSN vision, mission, and values, and describing your efforts to promote positive food system change.

    When an organization joins, we asks that they:

    • Designate a representative to hold the organization’s vote on OCFSN matters.

    • Assign one or more representatives to participate in OCFSN Working Groups.

    Then, on an ongoing basis:

    • Participate in 100% of votes called.

    • Participate in at least 75% of scheduled meetings/calls and read all meeting/call minutes.

    • Collaborate to seek resources for the priorities their Working Groups set.

    • Participate in OCFSN trainings and events.

    • Provide input on regional and state level food systems needs and priorities.

    • Reconfirm membership annually

  • OCFSN staff will review your application and share it with the OCFSN Leadership Team. Once the Leadership Team has reviewed and any follow up questions addressed, staff will send a vote to Member Voting Reps annually. A quorum (66% voting in favor) must be reached in order to approve new Public Interest Org. Members.

 

Do you still have questions?

Send us an email and we can help you figure out how you can get involved.